Free Will

Aeh has devoted her life to saving the tiefling who have succumbed to vengeance. She escaped from "The Devil's Freak Show" after years of enslavement. After escaping she wandered the dunes lost in both heart and mind; her only guide was her hatred. Aeh came across a message in a bottle in her the midst of her loneliness. The words were intertwined with bitterness and a cynical paranoia that sparked a vengeance inside Aeh. The letters formed teeth and sunk into her heart as she read the words with increasing enmity. Upon reading the signature she felt less alone; she began to search for Doubt. Aeh looked inward and found power; this power was one of anger and hatred. Aeh felt the world needed to share in the agony she was subjected to. After two years of searching she finally found her new master. A master that instead of chaining her down in cold shackles, chained Aeh to the burning animosity that had grown out of control. Her master always wore a mask, and although Doubt had taught her to discard curiosity’s call lest she be enticed into believing in the lie of hope (it was Doubt’s belief that curiosity can only lead to disappointment) Aeh could not resist imagining what her master’s face looked like or what master’s true name was. Aeh was taught that boldness and bravery were tools to manipulate the pride of mortals who foolishly lose sight of reality. Mortals believe that it is better to die 100 times a martyr with your pride in tact than to die once a scapegoat with your dignity stripped from you. Despite these teachings being ingrained her in mind she could not shake the call of the unknown. That night she did something she had not done since she the last time she imprisoned; she dreamed. Upon realizing the mistake she had made, Aeh woke up to the sound of herself crying. Unfortunately, her master had been woken up as well. When questioned about the cause for her hysteria, Aeh attempted to conceal her transgressions. At this, Doubt placed a hand on Aeh’s arm and with her other hand unmasked her face as she said one word…
“-"
As Aeh’s eyes widened in awe, - sighed in disappointment.
“You. I believed I was not alone for once. Your dream was an act of blasphemy and your hope has weakened me. I have never felt disappointment because I have never risked believing. You have caused me to stray from my code and for that you have betrayed me. Get out of my sight.” With this - lifted her mask to her face and turned her back.
Aeh held out her hand and begged for forgiveness. “Wait! No don’t leave me alone please! -”
Upon hearing her true name spoken Doubt turned back to Aeh one last time and left Aeh with these final words “Forget that name! Forget that face! Do not forget your crime!” flames began to circle around Aeh’s former master., “ ...exile…” Fire roared as flames began to chase Aeh.
Aeh began to weep as she ran far away from anything she was familiar with. Yet in her defiance she did not forget. After countless days of trekking across the harsh dunes Aeh passed out due to fatigue.
Aeh awoke under a tree; the ostentatious rays of the sun had clawed its way under the blanket of her eyelids and intruded into her vision. Aeh realized that if she were to dwell in anger it would just lead her back to -. She began to see the world with new eyes. As she got up she noticed another figure resting on a cliff. As the sun began to rise so did the man. The sky changed hues as it adjusted to a stable emotion.
Aeh thought to herself “The sky is prettiest when the world is undecided on whether it’s night or day.” Several seconds passed before Aeh realized what had happened. “I assume that man saved me… I’m not great at thanking people…” As Aeh got up the ground, the soul turned towards her revealing his face.
Without hesitation the figure introduced himself, “I am Feon. I found you in the dunes passed out. If you have any questions I am perfectly willing to satisfy your curiosity; honestly, I would be more concerned if you had no questions.”
“Very well,” Aeh started, “Where am I?
“Who?” Feon jested.
“Me!” Aeh shoots back mildly irritated.
“Who is me? What is me’s name?” Feon prodded.
“Oh… I guess I never introduced myself. I am Aeh. You do know you could have just asked instead of being annoying, right?”
“Where’s the fun in that? Nevertheless, the offer for questions still stands; if you have none I could always act in a way and or propose ideas that would incite a question from your mind.”
Now exasperated with Feon’s antics Aeh responds, “Wait, what does that even mean? Don’t answer that actually. Where am I?”
“Yea, that is a fair question. I guess you asked that earlier… We are in the mountains that separate Lynae from the dunes. You see, I am visiting an old friend of mine.”
“Why would anyone live all the way up here?” she continues to inquire.
“When you dedicate your life to recording the lore of the world you tend find interesting friends.”
“Lore?”
“Yea, I write about interesting events that catch my eye. How the hell do you think people become famous?”
“Damn, I hope I’m never famous.” Retreated Aeh.
“What? Are you shy or something.”
“Not at all. I just have a story I would prefer not be told.” Aeh responded, retreating further back.
“You’ve got an interesting story then; now I’m curious.” Feon grinned in pursuit.
“Not in a million years.” Aeh said in an attempt to shut down his interest.
Feon did not back down as he joked, “Only a million years? I’ve waited far longer for a story; You have yourself a deal!”
Once again Aeh took the bait, “What do you mine by that? The only thing I know about you is your name. Who are you?”
“I was waiting for you to ask. How about we strike a bargain? I’ll tell my story and you tell yours. If you have any issues with that I can always wait the million years; however, I am not sure you could.”
“There is no way I am going to get out of this now…” Aeh looked off into the distance; when an eternity of silence had passed within the duration of an instant, Aeh threw up her hands in resignation, “fine.”
As Aeh began to recount the events of her life, Feon listened intently. When Aeh finished her story Feon’s face was in awe. “You are more important than you know. Don’t get a big head I’m much more important; but you are still very important.”
“Not sure how to react to that.”
“... Where is this “Doubt” character you studied under?”
*That’s where I’m gonna leave the story. I wouldn’t want to spoil your adventure*